Wartenberg syndrome, also known as cheiralgia paresthetica, is due to compression of the superficial branch of the radial nerve in the distal forearm and a rare nerve compression neuropathy.
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Clinical presentation
Patients present with pain and paresthesia along the dorsum of the distal forearm, index finger and thumb. Clinically it mimics de Quervain tenosynovitis but symptoms mostly occur at rest and Tinel test can be also positive.
Pathology
It can be secondary to a tight watch band or handcuffs, compression from distal radius fracture or idiopathic.
Radiographic features
Ultrasound
Loss of normal fibrillary pattern with swelling and increased vascularity on color flow imaging.
MRI
- T2: characteristic increase in signal intensity along with swelling of the nerve